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Jasminum Grandiflorum oil

What is the difference between Jasmine sambac and Jasmine grandiflorum?

By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT, Professional AIA and NAHA Member

Quick Summary: Jasmine Sambac vs Grandiflorum

The main difference lies in scent, harvesting time, and use in perfumery:

  • Jasmine Sambac (Arabian Jasmine): Night-blooming, rich, musky, and indolic
  • Jasmine Grandiflorum (Royal Jasmine): Day-blooming, light, fruity, and floral
This clearly answers the core debate of jasmine grandiflorum vs sambac.

What is the difference between Jasmine sambac and Jasmine grandiflorum?

Jasmine is an evergreen climbing shrub with white star-shaped aromatic flowers. The flowers are fragrantly delightful! Over 40 species of jasmine exist, and three are used to make aromatic absolutes via solvent extraction (1). The two most commonly used to make wholesale absolutes include Jasminum grandiforum (Royal Jasmine), and J. sambac (Arabian Jasmine). Oil can be very pricey because it takes a very large quantity of fresh flowers to produce jasmine oil. Delicate jasmine flowers are made into an oil absolute, such as jasmine grandiflorum absolute and jasmine sambac absolute. This captures the fragrance without damaging the plant material, unlike steam distillation which can destroy the delicate scent molecules. The aroma for both types of jasmine is warm, strong, heady, and floral, with a spicy dry-out. The flowers also produce an orange dye, thus giving absolutes a dark orange to brownish hue due to the oxidation of indole components (2).
Feature Jasmine Sambac Jasmine Grandiflorum
Bloom Time Night Day
Scent Musky, indolic, intense Sweet, fruity, clean
Use Perfume base notes Perfume heart/top notes
Region India, China France, India
Aroma Profile Animalic, green Floral, soft, elegant

What is Jasmine grandiflorum

Also called Spanish jasmine, Royal Jasmine, or Poet’s Jasmine, this day blooming species is primarily grown in India as well as the Mediterranean region, particularly Grasse, France (1). It is often grafted onto hardier rootstocks. The aroma of J. grandiflorum absolute can have a slightly higher floral scent than J. sambac. It is widely described as “cleaner,” with sweet fruity nuances of strawberry and apricot. This could be due to its higher ester content, specifically benzyl acetate.

What is Jasmine sambac

This variety, cultivated in India and China, is also called Arabian Jasmine or moonlight of the grove (1). This is because it blooms at night. This species is also used to make jasmine tea and religious garlands. Unlike Grandiflorum, Sambac buds are often collected before they fully open. The aroma of J. sambac absolute is more sweet, sensual, and lingering than J. grandiflorum. It is richer in methyl anthranilate and indole, giving it a muskier, “dirtier,” and more animalic profile with green, leafy undertones. It can be described as an intoxicatingly floral narcotic aphrodisiac often found in high-end luxury perfumes.

Which Jasmine Smells Best?

  • Sambac → stronger, sensual, “exotic”
  • Grandiflorum → lighter, classic floral

👉 For perfumes:

  • Sambac = depth and intensity
  • Grandiflorum = brightness and elegance

What Does Jasmine Smell Like?

Jasmine has a rich floral scent that can vary:

  • sweet and romantic (grandiflorum)
  • deep and musky (sambac)
  • slightly indolic (animalic note in high concentrations)

This is why jasmine is called the “king of floral scents” in perfumery.

Can jasmine help with hormone related conditions? Jasmine has long been revered for its sensual aroma. A few small studies have shown the aroma to have a possible hormonal effect. In a study with menopausal women, the group who received a massage with jasmine, rose, lavender, and geranium in a carrier oil (like organic apricot kernel carrier oil or golden jojoba carrier oil) weekly for 8 weeks had reduced menopausal symptoms (3). In another study of pre-menopausal women who inhaled a variety of essential oils and absolutes, jasmine, Roman chamomile, and clary sage increased salivary testosterone levels (4). Jasmine may also help improve energy levels. In a small study with 20 healthy volunteers, jasmine oil inhalation had a stimulating effect on EEG readings (5). In another study that involved bowlers, inhaling jasmine aroma improved bowling score. The author concluded this might be related to improved alertness, hand-eye coordination, self-confidence, and mood (6). In conclusion, both Jasmine grandiflorum and Jasmine sambac are delightfully floral mood boosting and sensual aromas. If you prefer a cleaner, fruity scent, choose Grandiflorum. If you prefer a musky, green, and intense aroma, choose Sambac. With their strong and lingering aroma, it is nice to blend them with spicy notes like ginger, cardamom, or black pepper. Plus, choose citrus scents like petitgrain, orange, lemon, and bergamot.

Jasmine Absolute vs Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine is usually extracted as an absolute, not a true essential oil because:

  • flowers are too delicate for steam distillation
  • solvent extraction preserves aroma

Common forms:

  • Jasmine absolute (most common)
  • diluted jasmine oil blends

Why is Jasmine Oil So Expensive?

Jasmine oil is costly because:

  • thousands of flowers needed per kg
  • hand-harvested (especially sambac at night)
  • labor-intensive extraction

Jasmine Sambac Uses

  • perfumes (luxury & niche)
  • aromatherapy
  • tea (jasmine tea)
  • skincare products

Conclusion

Both jasmine sambac and jasmine grandiflorum are premium aromatic botanicals with distinct profiles:

  • Choose Sambac for deep, sensual fragrance
  • Choose Grandiflorum for light, elegant floral notes
FAQ: Jasmine Sambac vs Jasminum Grandiflorum Which is better for perfumes? Both are used extensively, but Sambac provides a richer, muskier base, while Grandiflorum offers bright, fruity top or middle notes. Is there a difference between jasmine sambac and grandiflorum in price? Yes, prices fluctuate, but sambac often commands a premium due to its specialized night-harvesting. References
  1. Peace Rhind, J. (2012). Essential Oils.  A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice.  2nd  Singing Dragon.
  2. Christenhusz, M., Fay, M., & Chase, M. (2017).  Plants of the World.  An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Vascular Plants.
  3. Hur, M. H., Yang, Y. S., & Lee, M. S. (2008). Aromatherapy massage affects menopausal symptoms in Korean climacteric women: a pilot-controlled clinical trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 5(3), 325-328.  Link:  http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2008/306431.pdf
  4. Tarumi, W., Kumagai, C., & Shinohara, K. (2019). Exposure to Essential Oil Odors Increases Salivary Testosterone Concentration in Perimenopausal Women. Acta medica Nagasakiensia, 62(2), 49-54. Link:  http://naosite.lb.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/10069/38822/1/ActMed62_49.pdf
  5. Sayowan, W., Siripornpanich, V., Hongratanaworakit, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., & Ruangrungsi, N. (2013). The effects of jasmine oil inhalation on brain wave activities and emotions. J Health Res vol, 27(2).  Link:  http://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/JHRE/10892943.pdf
  6. Hirsch, A. R., Ye, Y., Lu, Y., & Choe, M. (2007). The effects of the aroma of jasmine on bowling score. International Journal of Essential Oil Therapeutics, 1(2), 79-82.  Link:  https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20073201429
Additional References Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014).  Essential Oil Safety.  Second Eddition.  Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. For more research about Jasmine, please visit:  https://www.earthtokathy.com/jasmine-jasminum-grandiflorum-research/ The information at this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.  These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  With medical conditions, consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils.